Special Education Paraeducator (Prairie West Elementary)

Special Education Associate

Under the direction of a certified staff member, may assist students by helping individuals or small groups of students with academic support implementing instruction, reinforcing learning skills, reinforcing school-wide discipline procedures, movement to & from classes, bus, etc., and personal health & hygiene.

Assist teachers with educational activities, including:

• Assists in preparing materials for instruction by setting up and using computers, and audiovisual equipment and materials.
• Assists in organizing and utilizing reference and source materials assessing student work.
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of students' Individual Education Plans.
• Assist in implementing consistent behavior management strategies and procedures.
• Supervise students in the lunchroom, recess, classrooms, halls, bus loading/unloading, and in those areas as requested.
• Makes quick, responsible decisions regarding student welfare and safety, including counseling students regarding conduct and self-discipline.
• Assist students with work completion.
• Completes Medicaid documentation as required.
• Reports incidents of unusual nature to teachers and principal.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities, as needed. Feed, toilet and diaper students as needed.
• Attends in-service training and school meetings as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and related work experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must be 18 years of age
• Experience working with school age children in the education setting preferred.
• Knowledge or the ability to be trained to meet the responsibilities of the job.

Para-educator certification preferred

Technical skills, knowledge, & abilities:

• Basic problem solving skills
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to operate typical office equipment, such as telephones, computers, copier, fax machines, e-mail, etc.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to engage students with special needs
• Ability to learn information presented to student in classes such that they can support the student's participation in the curriculum presented.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changes without notice.
• Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to diffuse and manage volatile and stressful situations.
• Ability to establish a positive relationship with students, staff and families.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to appropriate supervisor/administrator.

Physical requirements and working conditions:

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
• Regularly required to use hands to manipulate or feel for objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear.
• Must be ability to move throughout the school and classroom which would involve standing, walking, kneeling, bending, etc.
• Must be capable of lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds
• Must be capable of squatting up to 2 minutes at a time
• Must be capable of bending over up to 3 minutes at a time